We believe in being approachable, so whoever you’re dealing with will be welcoming and quickly resolve any problems you may have.

Jayesh Patel,  Chairman

Jay’s role is to hold the directors to account, chair board meetings and steer the business in the right direction.

Jay is a non executive chairman of a variety of businesses with a global combined turnover in excess of 50 million pounds.

Gareth Smyth,  CEO

Gareth is one of the founding Directors and owners of the business. Having worked in the Business Sales arena since 2006, he has a wealth of experience in helping buyers and sellers of businesses. Gareth qualified in 2011 with a Law Degree and has completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 small business program as well as the Certificate in Business Administration at Salford University. Gareth is responsible for performance and strategic growth. 

Away from work, Gareth enjoys cooking and keep fit, is a proud Bolton Wanderers supporter and loves gadgets and technology. 

Craig Graham,  Operations Director

Craig is one of the founding Directors and owners of the business. Having worked in management, and studying Law at University, Craig joined forces with Gareth keen to offer something new in Business Sales.

Away from work, Craig enjoys spending time with his friends and family. Craig enjoys watching a variety of sports including Rugby League, Football and Boxing. Craig is actively involved with various charitable causes including being Chairman of Primary School Trust and is a patron at the Bolton Lads and Girls Club Charity. 

Natalie Murphy,  Finance Director

Natalie first started her career in Accounting upon gaining an apprenticeship studying AAT Level 2 back in 2012. Since then and upon joining Hilton Smythe in July 2014, she has worked in a varied accounting role, starting as an Accounts Assistant and working upwards to Head of Finance and now Group Finance Director.

Natalie is now a fully qualified accountant after having juggled studying on the job.

Away from work, Natalie is a keen baker, enjoys gin tasting and is kept busy by her young son.

Kirsty Franks,  Marketing Director

Kirsty’s role is to lead our Marketing team and strategy.

Kirsty has two decades of experience in Marketing, the latter spent working as Group Marketing Director for one of the largest lettings and estate agents in the UK.

Paul Williams,  Head of Financial Services

Paul joined the team in 2016

Paul has more than 25 years’ experience in the financial sector. He has previously worked with banks including NatWest and Yorkshire Bank, where he specialised in business banking.

Paul is responsible for assessing clients’ needs and obtaining commercial finance on their behalf, on a fully independent basis from a wide panel of lenders, matching those needs to the most appropriate lender. He will support the client until the completion of the deal.

Simon Danvers,  Corporate Director

Simon joined the team in 2021

As a Corporate Director, Simon works closely with our Corporate Clients at the early stage of their instruction to us to ensure they have an effective marketing strategy and have the correct marketing price. Simon has over 20 years experience in business sales, mergers and acquisitions, with most of his time spent valuing and advising businesses.

Away form work Simon enjoys kick boxing along with keeping fit.  

Nigel Fitzpatrick,  Corporate Director

Nigel joined the team in 2022.

Prior to joining Hilton Smythe Nigel had is own business brokerage in Spain and built it up to be the largest with 7 offices. 

Nigel has over 20 years experience in business sales mergers and acquisitions and is thrilled to be part of Hilton Smythe’s Corporate Team helping clients make the correct informed decisions about taking their business to market at the correct price.

Outside of work, Nigel was a keen rugby player and coach, now that age and injuries have caught up with him he enjoys just watching!

Debbie Power,  Corporate Director

Debbie joined the team in 2022

As a Corporate Director, Debbie works closely with our Corporate Clients at the early stage of their instruction to us to ensure they have an effective marketing strategy and have the correct marketing price. Debbie has over 15 years experience in agency sales and is considered a specialist in her field.

Away from work Debbie enjoys spending time with her family and friends and her beloved cat Jack.

Nathan Longworth,  Corporate Sales Executive

Nathan joined the team in 2022.

As a Corporate Sales Executive, Nathan looks after a portfolio of businesses, dealing with potential purchasers, negotiating offers through to sale and ensuring clients remain fully up to date.

Nathan has had a successful career working in a variety of roles in both insurance and healthcare. Away from work Nathan can be found playing football for his Sunday league team, watching his beloved Bolton Wanderers and socialising with his friends and family.

Emma Flood,  Corporate Account Manager

Emma joined the team in 2019

As a Corporate Account Manager, Emma liaises with our Corporate clients at the early stages of their instructions to us and works closely with the Corporate team and our clients coordinating meetings. Emma has over 15 years experience in business sales.

Away from work Emma heads up a successful paranormal investigation group and is and animal fanatic. Emma loves spending time with her two beloved cats, George and Michael.

Ian Flood,  Head of Research

Ian joined the team in 2021

As a Head of Research, Ian matches our Corporate businesses to potential purchasers working to connect the perfect business with the right purchaser. Ian has worked in the role for the previous 5 years and thoroughly enjoys it.

Away from work Ian is a huge supporter of Bolton Wanderers and holds a season ticket and enjoys cooking, sampling craft ales and attending music concerts.

Harris Abbott,  Mergers & Acquisitions Analyst

Harris joined the team in 2022.

As a Mergers & Acquisitions Analyst, Harris supports our sales team in producing company valuation reports for potential clients, as well as providing formal valuation opinions to existing clients.Harris has had a successful career working as an accountant but decided to use his transferable skills to begin a career in mergers and acquisitions.

Away from work Harris can be found watching his cherished Tottenham Hotspur where he has a season ticket along with socialising with his friends and family.

Jared Birkitt,  Research Analyst

Jared joined the team in 2022.

As a research analyst, Jared matches our Corporate businesses to potential purchasers working to connect the perfect business with the right purchaser.

Away from work Jared is a supporter of Manchester City and enjoys socialising with his friends and family.

Samantha Gormley,  Executive Assistant

Samantha joined the team in 2022.

Samantha assists the team and clients with a variety of tasks and takes a hands on approach and provides cover for colleagues whenever it is required and is always happy to help anyone out.

Samantha loves spending time with her family and friends. Her interests are walking, concerts and holidays.

Sandra Roberts,  Executive Assistant

Sandra joined the team in 2022.

Sandra works in our Corporate Department assisting the team and clients with a variety of tasks. Sandra takes a hands on approach and provides cover for colleagues whenever it is required and is always happy to help anyone out.

Prior to joining Hilton Smythe Sandra has spent time working as a book keeper, before training as a Criminal Lawyer; something she did for 20 years. More recently, Sandra has spent the previous 9 years working in luxury retail brands in Selfridges.

Away from work, Sandra enjoys good wine and food, spending time with her friends and family, shopping, going to the cinema and is fond of Cruising holidays.

Belinda Daniels,  Business Development Manager

Belinda joined the team in 2017, after having spent 35 years working for luxury brands in retail management.

Belinda’s role is a pivotal one across the business ensuring that we maintain positive and meaningful relationships with the people and organisations we work with. Belinda represents our business at events and takes the lead on our commitments to our Corporate, Social and Moral Responsibilities to the communities and sectors we work in.

Belinda recently lead the business to win a gold customer service award from Feefo and lead the process for us to be recognised as an outstanding employer from the Best Companies.

Away from work, Belinda enjoys walking, interior design and is a keen gardener.

Kai Pollitt-Parry,  Office Manager

Kai joined the team in 2017.

Kai joined as an apprentice and has worked in a variety of integral roles.

Kai’s role involves assisting the Directors and being the go to person in the office for everything and anything!

Away from work, Kai enjoys anything technical. He is a keen gamer and when not online, he enjoy working out and keep fit.

Joshil Hirani,  Business Support Assistant

Joshil joined the team in 2017.

Joshil joined Hilton Smythe as an apprentice. Joshil completed his  NVQ Level 4 in Property and Real estate management.

Joshil provides administrative support to the team and is at the centre of all aspects of the business.

Away from work Joshil is a gaming pro and something of a FIFA legend

Declan Bottomley,  Accounts Assistant

Declan joined the team in 2013.

Having joined as an apprentice, Declan successfully completed an NVQ Level 4 in Real Estate and Property Management. 

Declan works in our accounts team assisting the Group Finance Director with a variety of tasks, covering credit control and invoicing, to contractual matters and managing suppliers.

Away from work Declan is a keen baker and singer.

Jake Herriot,  Diary Manager

Jake joined the team in 2013.

After completing his apprenticeship in 2015 with an NVQ Level 4, Jake found a real liking in the New Business team and has remained in the department. 

Jake works closely with the team of Valuers assisting clients in the very early stages of the business sales process.

Away from work Jake enjoys spending time with his family.

Andy Tate,  Diary Manager

Andy joined the team in 2017.

Andy works closely with the team of Valuers assisting clients in the very early stages of the business sales process.

Away from work, Andy enjoys gaming, anything Marvel and has a love of cars.

John Scroggins,  Commercial Director

John joined the team in 2014.

As a Commercial Director, John is responsible for liaising with business owners in the early stages of the business sales process to provide business owners with a valuation.

John has more than 25 years experience in business sales, and has worked in a variety of roles in his career gaining valuable experience. John has a qualification in estate management and a HND in Business.

When he is not at work, John love socialising and cooking.

Kimberley Warburton,  Commercial Director

Kimberley joined the team in 2012.

As a Commercial Director, Kimberley is responsible for liaising with business owners in the early stages of the business sales process to provide business owners with a valuation.

Kimberley has worked in Business Sales since 2009 and undertaken a variety of roles which has broadened her experience.

When she is not busy working, Kimberley enjoys the great outdoors, keeping fit and spending quality time with her friends, family and two young daughters.

Samantha Nugent,  Commercial Director

Sam joined the team in 2015.

As a Commercial Director, Samantha is responsible for liaising with business owners in the early stages of the business sales process to provide business owners with a valuation.

Sam has worked in business transfer since 2009, undertaking various roles, gaining valuable experience in a variety of roles.

Away from work, Sam enjoys spending quality time with family and friends and is a keen foodie. She is a real dog fanatic and spends lots of time walking her dog with her partner.  

Andrew Rowell,  Commercial Director

Andy joined the team in 2014.

As a Commercial Director, Andy is responsible for liaising with business owners in the early stages of the business sales process to provide business owners with a valuation.

After ten years with a large corporate estate agency as an independent mortgage broker he followed this up with another corporate agent as a Financial Services Sales Manager. Andy has also worked for a High Street Bank as a Financial Planner and is a qualified Financial Adviser, Mortgage Broker and Debt Counsellor. His aim in his current role, is to provide accurate valuations and the highest possible standards of customer care and service.

Away from work Andy enjoys keeping fit and can often be found in the gym. Additionally Andy is a family man and enjoys spending time with his extended family.

Aidan Murphy,  Deal Executive

Aidan joined the team in 2012.

Aidan joined Hilton Smythe as a graduate.

Aidan is part of our mid market team dealing with a portfolio of businesses he manages on behalf of his clients. Aidan has 10 years experience in business sales and is passionate about getting deals done.

Away from work Aidan enjoys cycling, hiking and being outdoors, as well as spending time socialising.

Katie Holt,  Deal Executive

Katie joined the team in 2014.

Katie is part of our mid market team dealing with a portfolio of businesses he manages on behalf of his clients. Katie is passionate about getting deals done for her clients and assisting them with the complex elements of the sale process.

Prior to joining the team, Katie worked in hospitality

Away from work Katie enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Karen Currie,  Senior Sales Progressor

Karen joined the team in 2019.

As a Senior Sales Progressor, Karen oversees the smooth transition of businesses from seller to buyer, liaising with various different professionals to ensure that the process is hassle free and works to our clients mutual expectations.

Prior to joining Hilton Smythe, Karen spent several years working in property sales and estate agency and has accumulated 15 years experience in the sector.

Away from work Karen enjoys spending time with her family and enjoys walking.

Cheryl Hunt,  Sales Manager

Cheryl joined the team in 2015.

Cheryl heads up our Sales team ensuring the right training and coaching is given to the team and helps everybody achieve their goals. In addition to her role as Sales Manager, Cheryl also has a portfolio of businesses she manages on behalf of her clients. Cheryl has around 10 years experience in estate agency and is passionate about getting deals done for her clients.

Away from work Cheryl enjoys spending relaxing time with her young family and is keen on arts and crafts.

Rob Walker,  Senior Sales Negotiator

Rob joined the team in 2019.

As a Senior Sales Negotiator Rob looks after a portfolio of businesses, dealing with potential purchasers, negotiating offers through to sale and ensuring clients remain fully up to date.

Rob has worked in property sales since 2014 in both business transfer and residential property sales.

When not in work, Rob can often be found at his second home in the lakes and he is a avid football fan, with a season ticket for Bolton Wanderers.

Adam Varey,  Sales Negotiator

Adam joined the team in 2022.

As a Sales Negotiator, Adam looks after a portfolio of businesses, dealing with potential purchasers, negotiating offers through to sale and ensuring clients remain fully up to date.

Prior to joining Hilton Smythe, Adam had a varied career initially following on from his Degree in Drama he featured in various productions and shows such as Coronation Street and Hollyoaks. More recently, Adam has worked in Residential House Sales and Estate Agency.

Away from work Adam is still very involved in Drama, is a loyal lifelong Bolton Wanderers fan and is kept busy by his young family.

Alice Currie,  Sales Negotiator

Alice joined the team in 2019.

As a Sales Negotiator, Alice looks after a portfolio of businesses, dealing with potential purchasers, negotiating offers through to sale and ensuring clients remain fully up to date.

Prior to joining Hilton Smythe, Alice spent a number of years working in residential property sales.

Away from work Alice enjoys spending time with her young family and socialising with friends.